Posted on: Sunday, May 6, 2007
Some of Hawai'i's most loved at rest in the ocean
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Scattering ashes as part of a memorial service is commonplace in the Islands, where many feel a strong connection to the ocean.
For decades, families have emptied urns, boxes or bags of ashes at the favorite surf breaks, dive spots and beaches of their loved ones.
And while most of these ash-scatterings are done at small, private ceremonies, there have been memorial services — such as yesterday's tribute to legendary crooner Don Ho in Waikiki — that have drawn hundreds, even thousands, of people wanting to say goodbye.
Here are some of the more memorable ash-scatterings over the past few decades:
Duke Kahanamoku, Jan. 27, 1968: The ashes of the iconic surfer and Olympian were taken out beyond the reef at Waikiki. Thousands of people gathered on the beach in the rain to bid their farewell to Hawai'i's first international sports star. About 150 surfboards, 25 outrigger canoes and 100 small craft comprised the flotilla. After the ceremony at sea, everyone caught a wave and rode it to the beach in Kahanamoku's honor.
Kala Kukea, Feb. 17, 1996: Nearly 2,000 people attended the memorial service and ash-scattering of Kukea, a rescue captain with the Honolulu Fire Department and mentor to paddlers since 1970. Several hundred firefighters delivered a koa urn with Kukea's ashes, which were released into Maunalua Bay within sight of his 'Aina Haina home. The flotilla included 20 canoes and about 80 surf skis and one-man canoes. Two dozen motorboats, including HFD's fire boat, participated.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, July 12, 1997: More than 5,000 people descended on Makua Bay near Ka'ena Point to say goodbye to the beloved musician known as Bruddah Iz. His ashes were scattered there from the voyaging canoe Hokule'a. Three days earlier, his funeral service drew another 5,000 people at the state Capitol, where his white-shell-and-maile-draped casket was on display.
Rell Sunn, Jan. 17, 1998: One of the most beloved surfers of all time, Sunn's ashes were scattered at her favorite surf spot, Makaha Surfing Beach. Nearly 3,000 mourners — many of them with surfboards, swimfins or bodyboards in tow — came to pay tribute to the surfing pioneer who lost a 14-year battle with breast cancer.
Frederick "Cowboy" Rosa, May 29, 2004: Hundreds of surfers and spectators gathered at Kuhio Beach for the memorial service for Rosa, a beloved Waikiki beachboy. After his ashes were scattered off Waikiki, where he had spent 40 years teaching lessons and talking story, surfers and canoes caught the next wave in together.
Gilbert "Zulu" Lani Kauhi, June 5, 2004: Hundreds of family, friends and admirers gathered in Waikiki to pay tribute to the former Waikiki beachboy and TV star who died of complications from diabetes. His ashes, which were brought to O'ahu from Puna on the Big Island, were released into the waters off Duke's Canoe Club in traditional beachboy style. In attendance were good friends Jimmy Borges, Danny Kaleikini and Melveen Leed.
Dave Lyman, Feb. 11, 2006: A flotilla of more than six dozen vessels paid tribute to the veteran harbor pilot, whose ashes were scattered about a mile off Honolulu Harbor. There were sailboats, yachts, Coast Guard boats, commercial fishing vessels, power boats, water taxis and HFD's fire boat.
Bob Krauss, Sept. 14, 2006: As bagpipes played "Aloha 'Oe," the Hokule'a carried the ashes of The Advertiser's noted columnist. About 100 people attended the private service aboard the Falls of Clyde.
Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.
• • •
